05/03/2015
+Swine flu is a challenging infection spreading rapidly through out India.
Swine flu is caused by H1N1 influenza virus. It is a respiratory infection, spreads through droplets. When people with Swine flu cough/ sneeze they spray tiny droplets containing the virus into the air. When people come in contact with these droplets, they will get infected with the virus.
Most symptoms are the same as seasonal flu. They can include:
Cough, fever, sore throat, stuffy or runny nose, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. Most people experience only a mild illness. Severe illness may be seen only in some of the high risk group.
Swine flu Vaccine will be available as an injection or a nasal spray. But there are limitations of the vaccine too. It will take 2-3 weeks for protection.Immunity may last from 6 -12 months. It is recommended for high risk groups and staff of ICU and Emergency services.
High Risk Groups :-
Children below 5 years
Elderly above 65
Diabetics
Pregnant woman
People with COPD
Those on immunosuppressive drugs like cancer patients
Immunocompromised like those infected with HIV
Precautions and Preventive Measures for swine flu
• Stay home if you’re sick. If you are sick and have flu like symptoms stay at home.
• Wash your hands thoroughly and frequently. Use soap and water for at least 15 seconds, or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer since Flu viruses survives for two hours or longer in the atmosphere.
• Contain your coughs and sneezes. Cover your mouth and nose when you sneeze or cough. To avoid contaminating your hands, cough or sneeze into a tissue or the inner crook of your elbow.
• Avoid Crowds. Stay away from crowds if possible particularly the high risk groups.
• Avoid hugging, kissing and shaking with hands while greeting.
• Avoid touching hands, eyes and nose with unwashed hands.
• Reduce exposure within your household. If a member of your household has swine flu, designate one person in the household to cater the needs of the infected person.This will limit the spread of the infection.
• Use face mask or respirator as instructed by the concerned authorities, especially in crowded places and while visiting hospitals and infected people.Stay at least 6 feet away from people infected with swine flu.
• Don’t Share Utensils :- It is common to share utensils and drinks in caffetaria.Avoid doing it ,as it may spread the infection.
• Keep informed :- Know about the signs and symptoms of swine flu , and if the symptoms persists , then seek the professional help immediately.A stitch in time saves nine.
Some effective home remedies to prevent and halt the disease
• Keep mixture of Camphor and Cinnamon in the hand kerchief and inhale it frequently , when in crowds.
• Chew five leaves of Tulasi, washed and dried in the morning.Tulasi has thereupatic properties.
• Take two pods of garlic in the early morning. It should be swallowed with luke warm water to get immunity against the virus.
• Make a decoction of black pepper, add warm milk and a little sugar to it. Taking it every day prevents from getting infected with the Flu virus.
• Take Alma Juice and have citrus fruits, rich in Vitamin C, which gives protection against respiratory infections.
• Steam inhalation with Eucalyptus or Chamomile thrice a day will help in preventing the disease.
• Do breathing exercises like pranayama to clear the lungs.
• Get enough sleep, it boosts immunity.
• Drink at least 10 glasses of water to maintain hydration and to flush the toxins.+
Yours Gopal hospital
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